Lou was born, Aug. 10, 1923 in Skidmore, Mo., the daughter of Myron and Jessie Mildred Dawson Newton. On Aug. 19, 1939, Lou married Fred Lester Diggs, in Wathena, Kan., who preceded her in death April 22, 1977.

She attended Skidmore High School, was a cook at Nodaway Holt Schools for 20 years, owned and operated Lou's Diner for 21 years in Skidmore, and was a member of the Skidmore Christian Church.